Florida: Tide Pools at Sebastian Inlet

Last week, we visited the Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area to play on the fishing pier, visit the museums, and work on their Junior Ranger program. At the time, it looked like everyone and their brother was at the tide pools, but a storm was rolling in, so we decided we needed to come back on another day to check it out.

The inlet is on A1A near Melbourne Beach, Florida. Located on the inland side of the barrier island, it is a good spot for little kids to hang out, because it is protected, mostly shallow, and has lots of sand bars. Then of course there are all of the rocks and crevices to explore for ocean life!

It isn't quite what I expected when I heard the term "tide pools," but that didn't make it any less fun to investigate. (I'm more apt to think of tide pools as the shallow sort you splash around in up to your ankles, like those in Washington and Oregon.)

There were crabs and lots of interesting fish, barnacles, limpets - and you weren't just looking at them from a distance, you were literally able to shimmy right up next to them.

We didn't see any manatees the day we were there, but from what I have read (and the signs with instructions on what to do if one comes near you), this must be a popular hangout for them.

This wasn't the cleanest beach I have been to (come on, people, clean up after yourselves!), but that is probably a reflection on how busy it can be. We were there at low tide, but I would venture it doesn't matter a lot. This was a really neat little spot to take the small ones to.

Admission is $8 per carload, and includes both sides of the park. There are camping areas available, as well. Come for the afternoon, or come for the weekend! You're sure to find lots to explore.